Our 11 day Cape York, Arnhem Land and Great Barrier Reef cruise begins at the Top End of Darwin and ends at the Cruise Liner Terminal in Cairns on the 12th day. Journeying to some of Northern Australia’s most incredible indigenous art galleries, beautiful islands, remote communities of Australia

This is a small cruise ship expedition not to be missed. A journey along well documented trading routes, exploring ancient cultures in the most northern parts of Australia and wonderful underwater worlds on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Cape York and Arnhem Land cruise takes guests on a journey to explore the rich culture of the Tiwi Islands, and the endemic wildlife of the Cobourg Peninsula before cruising to Elcho Island. We will sail thru the “Hole in the Wall” in the Wessel Islands and cruise across the Gulf of Carpentaria.

As our journey continues to Tropical Far North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef we explore remote Thursday Island, and Forbes Island, as well as Davie Reef and the Flinders Group of Islands, before continuing to Lizard Island and on the 12th day the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.

Perfect Selfie

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Darwin Harbour

In Darwin our guests board our luxury small boutique cruise ships at 5.00pm for our 6.00pm departure. The Captain will host welcome drinks for all guests to get to know each other and the crew and enjoy the first on many meals and adventures together over the next 12 days

Day 2 Tiwi Islands

Disembark for a shore excursion and visit Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as our guides, we learn of the unique cultures and visit the fascinating art centre to peruse wonderful screen printing, indigenous art works, wood work and pottery. Be part of a cleansing of the spirits smoking ceremony, traditional basket weaving and morning tea with the locals, over freshly cooked damper and traditional billy tea.

Day 3 Coburg Peninsular

On Coburg Peninsular, visit the ruins of the failed Victoria Settlement at Port Essington and explore the ruins under the guidance of the National Park Rangers. We also visit the Rangers Interpretation Centre at Black Point.

Day 4 Liverpool River and Maningrida

We set anchor in the Liverpool River and take a shore break to explore the Maningrida Art Centre. Museum and local boutique where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale. Join our expedition team on a tour of the river before rejoining the ship for sundowner drinks.

Day 5 Elcho Island Artists

The friendly locals welcome our cruise ship passengers to their community and we meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the famous Louvre. As a special treat we enjoy a gourmet Australian beach barbeque on one of the beautiful islands and we toast the colourful sunset over the Arafura Sea.

Day 6 Hole in the Wall and Wessel Islands

Today our cruise ship enters the famous “Hole in the Wall” a tidal gap to the Wessel Islands that needs to be timed perfectly with the fast dropping tides.

Day 7 Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria – Coral Discoverer

Enjoy a relaxing day on the high seas and listen to presentations by our guest lecturers as we make our way around the top of Australia.

You will hear about the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coastline.

Day 8 Thursday Island

Take a short tour of remote Horn Island prior to our transfer by ferry to Thursday Island where we rejoin our cruise ship. During the tour of Thursday Island, we learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets and observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal tribes. Following a short cruise to Cape York, we travel ashore and enjoy the sunset and a glass of bubbles at the very “Tip” of Australia and take a few pictures as memorabilia.

Day 9 Forbes Island and Reef

Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island and take advantage ot the fantastic swimming and snorkelling opportunities. Enjoy a short walk to the summit and enjoy the outlook over the surrounding reef and islands.

Day 10 Davie Reef and Flinders Group

At Davie Reef and Cay, we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery, go ashore at Stanley Island where our Expedition Leader and guides will escort you to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location.

Day 11 Lizard Island

Spend the day at one of the most beautiful islands and world famous islands on the Great Barrier Reef Lizard Island.

Climb to Cook’s Look or enjoy swimming and snorkelling the Blue Lagoon or take a beach walk to the historical places of interest. Subject to availability, we may be invited as special guests to visit the Lizard Island Research Station, where we learn more about the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Day 12 Cairns

Disembarkation day has come around way to soon in Cairns which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. We arrive here at 8.00pm and our guests make their way from the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal to their respective hotel room accommodation and farewell their newly made friends.

Available for Purchase / Hire

Lycra sun suits

Scuba diving gear

Internet services

Laundry services

Alcoholic spirits, wine and beer outside of mealtimes

Souvenir purchases

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Child Policy

When joining a Coral Expeditions Cape York & Arnhem Land expedition, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Coral Expeditions does not provide services of entertainment, supervision or care of children. Our Cape York & Arnhem Land itineraries are quite adventurous and we therefore recommend children aged above 14 years of age will enjoy the challenge and experience the most.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing. Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee. Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:

Up to 90 days prior to departure - forfeit the 20% non-refundable deposit

60 - 89 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the relevant fare

No-show to 59 days prior to departure - forfeit 100% of the relevant fare

Coral Expeditions considers a date and/or name change to be a cancellation of the original booking and will enforce relevant cancellation fees.

A $200 per person fee will be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change, name change or cancellation after booking is confirmed.

We strongly recommend that all passengers purchase cruise cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against any circumstance which may force you to cancel or leave a cruise while in progress. Given the remote nature of some of the locations visited during the expedition, we recommend that you include Remote Area Evacuation coverage within your policy. Cancellation fees will not be waived for any reason.

Passengers do not have the right to transfer their rights and obligations under these Cruise Ticket Conditions. The fare paid shall not be refundable except as permitted in these Cruise Ticket Conditions and the carrier will not be liable to make any refund to the passenger if the passenger fails to embark on the Ship for the Cruise.

Additional Information

All baggage brought on board the Ship by a passenger remains in the possession and control of the passenger during the Cruise and must be stored and kept in the cabin allocated to the passenger.

The carrier will endeavour to follow the Cruise itinerary as described in the brochure and the passenger accepts that the carrier has the right to vary the itinerary or cancel the Cruise if the carrier considers that this is necessary as a result of some Unexpected Event or prevailing inclement weather conditions and the passenger accepts that the passenger will not be entitled to any compensation or a refund of the fare paid should this occur except as is provided for in these Cruise Ticket Conditions.

It is a requirement that all passengers have a valid passport and appropriate visa/travel permits for the countries to be visited. Passport must have a validity of more than six months beyond the duration of travel. The company cannot be responsible for any travel restrictions or expenses arising through passengers not having relevant documentation.

It is recommended that all passengers purchase appropriate travel insurance prior to departure. Please ensure you are covered for remote area evacuation.

Our 11 day Cape York, Arnhem Land and Great Barrier Reef cruise begins at the Top End of Darwin and ends at the Cruise Liner Terminal in Cairns on the 12th day. Journeying to some of Northern Australia’s most incredible indigenous art galleries, beautiful islands, remote communities of Australia

This is a small cruise ship expedition not to be missed. A journey along well documented trading routes, exploring ancient cultures in the most northern parts of Australia and wonderful underwater worlds on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Cape York and Arnhem Land cruise takes guests on a journey to explore the rich culture of the Tiwi Islands, and the endemic wildlife of the Cobourg Peninsula before cruising to Elcho Island. We will sail thru the “Hole in the Wall” in the Wessel Islands and cruise across the Gulf of Carpentaria.

As our journey continues to Tropical Far North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef we explore remote Thursday Island, and Forbes Island, as well as Davie Reef and the Flinders Group of Islands, before continuing to Lizard Island and on the 12th day the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.

Perfect Selfie

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Darwin Harbour

In Darwin our guests board our luxury small boutique cruise ships at 5.00pm for our 6.00pm departure. The Captain will host welcome drinks for all guests to get to know each other and the crew and enjoy the first on many meals and adventures together over the next 12 days

Day 2 Tiwi Islands

Disembark for a shore excursion and visit Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as our guides, we learn of the unique cultures and visit the fascinating art centre to peruse wonderful screen printing, indigenous art works, wood work and pottery. Be part of a cleansing of the spirits smoking ceremony, traditional basket weaving and morning tea with the locals, over freshly cooked damper and traditional billy tea.

Day 3 Coburg Peninsular

On Coburg Peninsular, visit the ruins of the failed Victoria Settlement at Port Essington and explore the ruins under the guidance of the National Park Rangers. We also visit the Rangers Interpretation Centre at Black Point.

Day 4 Liverpool River and Maningrida

We set anchor in the Liverpool River and take a shore break to explore the Maningrida Art Centre. Museum and local boutique where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale. Join our expedition team on a tour of the river before rejoining the ship for sundowner drinks.

Day 5 Elcho Island Artists

The friendly locals welcome our cruise ship passengers to their community and we meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the famous Louvre. As a special treat we enjoy a gourmet Australian beach barbeque on one of the beautiful islands and we toast the colourful sunset over the Arafura Sea.

Day 6 Hole in the Wall and Wessel Islands

Today our cruise ship enters the famous “Hole in the Wall” a tidal gap to the Wessel Islands that needs to be timed perfectly with the fast dropping tides.

Day 7 Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria – Coral Discoverer

Enjoy a relaxing day on the high seas and listen to presentations by our guest lecturers as we make our way around the top of Australia.

You will hear about the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coastline.

Day 8 Thursday Island

Take a short tour of remote Horn Island prior to our transfer by ferry to Thursday Island where we rejoin our cruise ship. During the tour of Thursday Island, we learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets and observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal tribes. Following a short cruise to Cape York, we travel ashore and enjoy the sunset and a glass of bubbles at the very “Tip” of Australia and take a few pictures as memorabilia.

Day 9 Forbes Island and Reef

Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island and take advantage ot the fantastic swimming and snorkelling opportunities. Enjoy a short walk to the summit and enjoy the outlook over the surrounding reef and islands.

Day 10 Davie Reef and Flinders Group

At Davie Reef and Cay, we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery, go ashore at Stanley Island where our Expedition Leader and guides will escort you to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location.

Day 11 Lizard Island

Spend the day at one of the most beautiful islands and world famous islands on the Great Barrier Reef Lizard Island.

Climb to Cook’s Look or enjoy swimming and snorkelling the Blue Lagoon or take a beach walk to the historical places of interest. Subject to availability, we may be invited as special guests to visit the Lizard Island Research Station, where we learn more about the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Day 12 Cairns

Disembarkation day has come around way to soon in Cairns which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. We arrive here at 8.00pm and our guests make their way from the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal to their respective hotel room accommodation and farewell their newly made friends.

Available for Purchase / Hire

Lycra sun suits

Scuba diving gear

Internet services

Laundry services

Alcoholic spirits, wine and beer outside of mealtimes

Souvenir purchases

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Child Policy

When joining a Coral Expeditions Cape York & Arnhem Land expedition, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Coral Expeditions does not provide services of entertainment, supervision or care of children. Our Cape York & Arnhem Land itineraries are quite adventurous and we therefore recommend children aged above 14 years of age will enjoy the challenge and experience the most.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing. Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee. Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:

Up to 90 days prior to departure - forfeit the 20% non-refundable deposit

60 - 89 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the relevant fare

No-show to 59 days prior to departure - forfeit 100% of the relevant fare

Coral Expeditions considers a date and/or name change to be a cancellation of the original booking and will enforce relevant cancellation fees.

A $200 per person fee will be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change, name change or cancellation after booking is confirmed.

We strongly recommend that all passengers purchase cruise cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against any circumstance which may force you to cancel or leave a cruise while in progress. Given the remote nature of some of the locations visited during the expedition, we recommend that you include Remote Area Evacuation coverage within your policy. Cancellation fees will not be waived for any reason.

Passengers do not have the right to transfer their rights and obligations under these Cruise Ticket Conditions. The fare paid shall not be refundable except as permitted in these Cruise Ticket Conditions and the carrier will not be liable to make any refund to the passenger if the passenger fails to embark on the Ship for the Cruise.

Additional Information

All baggage brought on board the Ship by a passenger remains in the possession and control of the passenger during the Cruise and must be stored and kept in the cabin allocated to the passenger.

The carrier will endeavour to follow the Cruise itinerary as described in the brochure and the passenger accepts that the carrier has the right to vary the itinerary or cancel the Cruise if the carrier considers that this is necessary as a result of some Unexpected Event or prevailing inclement weather conditions and the passenger accepts that the passenger will not be entitled to any compensation or a refund of the fare paid should this occur except as is provided for in these Cruise Ticket Conditions.

It is a requirement that all passengers have a valid passport and appropriate visa/travel permits for the countries to be visited. Passport must have a validity of more than six months beyond the duration of travel. The company cannot be responsible for any travel restrictions or expenses arising through passengers not having relevant documentation.

It is recommended that all passengers purchase appropriate travel insurance prior to departure. Please ensure you are covered for remote area evacuation.